In June 2021, a shocking murder occurred in the woods of a university in Ningbo. A black American teacher, Shadid Abdulmatin, was later sentenced to death. This tragic event not only shattered the aura surrounding foreign teachers but also brought justice to a young girl and sparked a nationwide outcry. In court, the defendant's chilling declaration sent shivers down many spines. Ultimately, China's judiciary withstood international pressure and delivered the rightful verdict.
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The incident traces back to early 2019 when Shadid, a black American teacher, joined a university in Ningbo. His American teacher identity and gentlemanly manners quickly earned him affection from students. However, his behavior and teaching style raised concerns. Shadid would often offer extra tutoring sessions, during which he promoted the idea of American-style freedom in love and implied that he was single and interested in international marriages.
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Chen, a shy 23-year-old student struggling with her English grades, sought his help. Over time, their relationship crossed professional boundaries, and Shadid convinced her that he was divorced, even presenting a divorce certificate. Despite her doubts, Chen, amid the pandemic, reluctantly trusted him. However, in May 2021, she discovered through social media that Shadid had a wife and children living in Arizona, which shattered the illusion he had built.
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When Chen confronted him, demanding an explanation and wanting to break up, Shadid resorted to violence. He threatened to release compromising photos of her if she ended things. The university, reluctant to act due to his position as a foreign teacher, merely told him to watch his behavior but did nothing substantial. Chen, unable to tolerate the abuse, demanded that Shadid leave her alone, warning him that legal action would follow if he exposed her.
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However, Shadid had already planned a brutal attack. In June 2021, he bought a folding knife and invited Chen to meet under the pretense of teaching her how to make Chinese food. Unaware of his intentions, she met him in a secluded spot on campus. There, he violently stabbed her 48 times, including a fatal blow to her neck, causing severe bleeding. Afterward, he attempted to clean the knife and left it at the scene, which eventually led to his arrest.
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Upon investigation, authorities found crucial evidence, including fibers on the knife and matching details in his shopping records. Shadid, born in Arizona in 1984, had a questionable educational background and had never actually been a qualified teacher. He had obtained his TESOL certificate through an unqualified agency and was hired by the university despite his dubious credentials. Furthermore, multiple complaints had been filed against him for inappropriate behavior, but the university had ignored them to maintain its global ranking.
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The case exposed serious issues with foreign teacher hiring practices in Chinese universities, with many prioritizing reputation over qualification and character. In some cases, agencies could even guarantee the passing of background checks for a fee. Following this, China's Ministry of Education took action, clearing 3,297 unqualified foreign teachers from universities in 2022.
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Shadid's defense team argued that he did not understand Chinese law, claimed he had a temporary mental disorder, and cited his race as a mitigating factor. However, Chinese authorities rejected these claims, emphasizing that murder is universally punishable. Shadid's actions, which included viewing Chen as his property, reflected a disturbed and dangerous mindset, and he was ultimately sentenced to death.
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This case not only brought justice but also highlighted the systemic flaws in how foreign teachers were hired in China, pushing for reform in the education sector.
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